REVIEW: OWEN JONES – THE POLITICS OF HOPE

NUFFIELD THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON

In a completely sold-out Nuffield Theatre, popular yet controversial author and journalist Owen Jones held his audience spellbound.

Jones, the author of the powerful thought-provoking Chavs and The Establishment (And How They Get Away With It), entertained and inspired a varied audience, ranging from university students to OAPs.

In a fascinating 90-minute show, Owen Jones is fluent, assured and passionate, smoothly raging against social and political injustices.

“How can Britain,” he argues, “the sixth-biggest economy in the world, need so many food banks?”

“How can,” he gently rants,” a country which supposedly values education, have scrapped the Education Maintenance Allowance and tripled University tuition fees!”

In a lively professionally handled Q&A session, Jones dealt humorously with a question regarding the Royal Family’s relevance by negating the clichéd argument “They bring in tourists!” by pointing out that only one of their many homes – Windsor Castle – at number 17, featured in the Top 20 visitor attractions, whereas Legoland was in the top 10.

Jones reminded his audience that the first Trade Unionists The Tolpuddle Martyrs were punished and exiled for their beliefs, and when women had few rights just a century ago, the Suffragettes were reviled as terrorists before achieving the vote.

Whenever things seem utterly hopeless, Jones reassured his audience, we need only look at our history, when people with grit, courage and determination managed to effect change.

Owen Jones is energetic, perceptive, persuasive, humorous, and utterly inspirational.

Brendan McCusker